Hudson Lennard
February 4th 2024
My first project for my Gateway to Media class was a written text story. The project asked for students to go out and interview someone who works in a subject that is interesting or different. I chose to interview Dan Budd, who works at FOOD For Lane County, a food bank which I have volunteered at three times before. I put together meaningful questions for Budd and then conducted the interview at FOOD For Lane County. The interview was recorded and after I dissected the recording, I put Budd’s story together on paper.
From a small garage operation to distributing millions of pounds of food, Dan Budd’s three-decade odyssey at FOOD For Lane County (FFLC) embodies resilience, community, and the power of helping others. As the Volunteer Coordinator and Kitchen Manager, Budd finds fulfillment in guiding others and fostering a sense of community among volunteers.
“He cares so much about the volunteers and how they do so much good for our community,” said Leslie Howard, who works alongside Budd.
In 1982, Budd joined FFLC food bank, bringing his culinary prowess to tackle the challenge of incorporating perishable foods into distribution as well as his desire to make a difference in his community. Budd witnessed FFLC’s growth from a humble garage operation to a vital regional food bank that now moves 7.5 million pounds of food a year.
Growing up in Eugene, Oregon, Budd was surrounded by both his mother’s culinary creations and the fresh produce his father brought home from work. These moments sparked his love for cooking and serving others. Budd stated, “It was something I enjoyed and it has always been therapeutic for me.”
After graduating high school, Budd took his cooking interests to the Horst Mager Culinary Institute, in Portland, where he learned about the food industry from a professional standpoint. At 18, Budd was thrust into a restaurant supervisor role where he faced the challenges of fast-paced work and substance abuse. Not only was it mentally and physically draining, Budd figured it was time to move on. The daily use of drugs and alcohol was something he was not loving, so FFLC was a gateway to his true passion.
At FFLC, Budd learned the true meaning of community service and hopes that he can continue giving back in a different career. One option was taking his talents to become a community service officer where he would assist local police during non-violent reports. To this day, Dan Budd remains the glue holding FFLC together and continues using his passion for cooking and service to his advantage, living to the belief, “Do something that makes you happy and helps others.”